- Arsenal captain Odegaard has helped inspire their impressive run-up to the title.
- Ian Ladyman claims the Norwegian is “approaching De Bruyne levels”
- ‘He’s reaching De Bruyne levels!’ Arsenal maestro Martin Odegaard HAS to be in the race for Player of the Year – Listen to the everything is beginning! Podcast
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard is “approaching Kevin De Bruyne levels” after his inspiring performances in his team’s title fight, claims Ian Ladyman.
The Norway international has been a major catalyst in Arsenal’s success this year and was Man of the Match during their recent 5-0 win over rivals Chelsea.
Odegaard, who wears the Gunners captain’s armband, picked up two assists on the night, including a sensational deflected pass for Kai Havertz.
Given the playmaker’s impressive form, it has been suggested that he could be nominated for PFA Player of the Year at the end of the season, which Ladyman agreed with.
Speaking on the latest episode of It’s All Kicking Off, he said: ‘TThe player who stood out for me against Chelsea was Martin Odegaard.
Martin Odegaard (left) has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne (right) amid his stellar form
The Arsenal captain put in a Man of the Match display during their 5-0 win over Chelsea.
Ian Ladyman suggests Odegaard is approaching the level of City’s Belgian playmaker
“Watching him pass, watching his appreciation for football, watching his ability to dictate the pace of a game, the way he measures and weights those passes to people like Kai Havertz… It’s magnificent to see!
“I think he is approaching Kevin De Bruyne levels and that is a great compliment because we know the position De Bruyne enjoys in English and European football. I think Odegaard is getting to that point.”
The Arsenal star has registered eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League campaign, proving instrumental to the Gunners’ success this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s De Bruyne has amassed just three goals and six assists in the top-flight campaign after missing half the season through injury.
Chris Sutton, co-host of the Ladyman podcast, chimed in to agree and suggest the Norwegian “weaves it all together” for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side.
Sutton said: ‘Yes, I totally agree. She’s been on my fantasy team all season. I know you don’t care too much about that! And Kai Havertz was also my captain.
—But no, Odegaard is interesting, right? Because, you know, from such a young age, everyone was talking about him and you wondered if that would take its toll on him, the pressure that was on him.
“But no, I think Arsenal have had a lot of consistent players this season, but he’s the guy who brings it all together.”
The Norwegian international has eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League season
Ladyman co-presenter Chris Sutton said Odegaard should be considered Player of the Year
“There is a real cleverness and quality to his passing. He’s a guy who sees things faster than most. He has had a phenomenal season and could also be among the candidates for Player of the Year, right?
Ladyman then replied: ‘Oh yes, absolutely. He certainly should be in that conversation before admitting that his vote went to Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
He then continued: “This morning I was thinking, strangely, if Odegaard ever wishes he had been born in a different country, because it must be difficult to have so much talent and never play in a major tournament.” .
“Norway has not played in any major tournament, neither a European Championship nor a World Cup, during Odegaard’s lifetime.”
